Electroformed stator tube for a progressing cavity apparatus

Abstract

A method for use in producing a stator for a progressing cavity apparatus which includes the use of electroforming to produce the stator tube. A stator tube for a progressing cavity apparatus which is produced using electroforming and a stator for a progressing cavity apparatus which includes a stator tube produced using electroforming.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A stator tube for a progressing cavity apparatus, the stator tube comprising:
 a single integral metallic tube comprising a cylindrical outer surface and a contoured inner surface; and 
 a substantially constant thickness elastomeric lining formed on and matching the shape of the contoured inner surface of the single integral metallic tube, 
 wherein the single integral metallic tube comprises an electroformed metal deposit and the shape of the contoured inner surface of the single integral tube varies at least one of axially and circumferentially. 
 
     
     
       2. The stator tube of  claim 1 , wherein the electroformed metal deposit is comprised of nickel. 
     
     
       3. The stator tube of  claim 1 , wherein the electroformed metal deposit is comprised of copper. 
     
     
       4. The stator tube of  claim 1 , wherein the stator tube is configured to be mounted in a supporting stator housing. 
     
     
       5. The stator tube of  claim 1 , wherein the contoured inner surface comprises a helical lobe surface. 
     
     
       6. A stator for a progressing cavity apparatus, the stator comprising:
 a housing; and 
 a stator tube mounted in the housing, the stator tube comprising:
 a single integral metallic tube comprising a cylindrical outer surface and a contoured inner surface; and 
 a substantially constant thickness elastomeric lining formed on and matching the shape of the contoured inner surface of the single integral metallic tube, 
 wherein the single integral metallic tube comprises an electroformed metal deposit and the shape of the contoured inner surface of the single integral metallic tube varies at least one of axially and circumferentially. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The stator of  claim 6 , wherein the electroformed metal deposit is comprised of nickel. 
     
     
       8. The stator of  claim 6 , wherein the electroformed metal deposit comprised of copper. 
     
     
       9. The stator of  claim 6 , wherein the contoured inner surface comprises a helical lobe surface. 
     
     
       10. The stator of  claim 6 , wherein an annular space is defined between the stator tube and a supporting stator housing and wherein the annular space is substantially filled with a filler material. 
     
     
       11. The stator of  claim 10 , wherein the filler material is comprised of an elastomeric material. 
     
     
       12. The stator of  claim 10 , wherein the filler material is comprised of a cement material.